Online Order vs In-Store Pickup

[ShinyHydra]

Hey everyone,

I haven't had much experience with ordering any of the hot smart phones through Verizon, so I had a quick question or two for some of the android veterans.

1. I would really like to order the phone online to get the instant rebate, but I'm worried that it's going to go out of stock even if I try ordering it at 12:01 (I'm assuming the in-store locations get priority over the online orders). Just curious to hear everyones opinions on whether it would be a safe bet to order online or not.

2. If I do pick it up in-store, what is the average turn around time on the mail-in rebates?

Thanks for the help!

 

[tsanuri]

They are very quick on MiR at Verizon.

 

[Gummibands]

Hey everyone,

I haven't had much experience with ordering any of the hot smart phones through Verizon, so I had a quick question or two for some of the android veterans.

1. I would really like to order the phone online to get the instant rebate, but I'm worried that it's going to go out of stock even if I try ordering it at 12:01 (I'm assuming the in-store locations get priority over the online orders). Just curious to hear everyones opinions on whether it would be a safe bet to order online or not.

2. If I do pick it up in-store, what is the average turn around time on the mail-in rebates?

Thanks for the help!

I was told by a CSR that it would take about two to three weeks which is shorter than the check and the MIR is a debit card. Also if you order in store they can set everything up and all that good stuff there so that everything is working right there. I've never ordered online cause I prefer to do all that in store cause it's just a personal preference for me. Also if you don't have the data plan I would opt to go into the store so they can set it up there so there is less chance of a mess up on your end.

 

[jazzman09]

I was told by a CSR that it would take about two to three weeks which is shorter than the check and the MIR is a debit card. Also if you order in store they can set everything up and all that good stuff there so that everything is working right there. I've never ordered online cause I prefer to do all that in store cause it's just a personal preference for me. Also if you don't have the data plan I would opt to go into the store so they can set it up there so there is less chance of a mess up on your end.

setting up the phone is something anyone on this forum I hope could do, mostly soccer moms would need help setting up their phone. Who wants some verizon rep setting up there phone and adding advanced task killer or just going on about some lame ass shit that you already know.

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

Setting up the phone is truly one of the easiest things to do (trust me, activation has come a long way since my first phone in '98).

The only major benefit I could see in purchasing in-store is:

IMMEDIATE ownership and the ability to look at the different accessories available in-person.

However, being able to order from the comfort of my own home, instead of having to wait in line at some God awful hour (waiting in freezing temps and getting the flu waiting for the Storm made me learn my lesson), not to mention having the satisfaction that VZW will automatically knock $100 off the phone and have it in my hands a day later, makes me think online/over the phone is the way to go.

 

[HookEmHorns*UT*]

Setting up the phone is truly one of the easiest things to do (trust me, activation has come a long way since my first phone in '98).

The only major benefit I could see in purchasing in-store is:

IMMEDIATE ownership and the ability to look at the different accessories available in-person.

However, being able to order from the comfort of my own home, instead of having to wait in line at some God awful hour (waiting in freezing temps and getting the flu waiting for the Storm made me learn my lesson), not to mention having the satisfaction that VZW will automatically knock $100 off the phone and have it in my hands a day later, makes me think online/over the phone is the way to go.

+1

 

[Gummibands]

setting up the phone is something anyone on this forum I hope could do, mostly soccer moms would need help setting up their phone. Who wants some verizon rep setting up there phone and adding advanced task killer or just going on about some lame ass shit that you already know.

If it's your first smart phone I would want Verizon to help me out. They wouldn't add anything without my permission if it costs anything or otherwise cause it's my phone. Maybe you should edit your post cause I'm not a soccer mom and I don't know how to set up my phone. I find the tone of your post over assuming. If I want God to set up my phone then I'll get him to set up my phone, same thing with if I want my dog. It's my choice. Don't make fun of ppl who don't know how to do something just cause you do.

 

[jazzman09]

If it's your first smart phone I would want Verizon to help me out. They wouldn't add anything without my permission if it costs anything or otherwise cause it's my phone. Maybe you should edit your post cause I'm not a soccer mom and I don't know how to set up my phone. I find the tone of your post over assuming. If I want God to set up my phone then I'll get him to set up my phone, same thing with if I want my dog. It's my choice. Don't make fun of ppl who don't know how to do something just cause you do.

the thing is verizon will tell you that android needs advanced task killer etc etc, there reps are uninformed sometimes and spit out bs to people who do not know what they are doing. It is best to figure it out yourself then rely on someone in store.

And they will just tell you they need to install it, some of them are jackass's I am trying to save you the time of having to go through someone in store, but if it's your 1st smart phone then I would get someone to guide you through it other than a verizon employee on launch day, they won't exactly give you the time you should be allotted since they will be very busy and have tons of customers behind you.

 

[dennygreen]

Anyone know if I can call Verizon before the 15th and have them run my credit check, start my account, etc before I go in on the 15th get attempt to get my X? Or do they have to do that on the same day? I'll be a new customer.

 

[Gummibands]

the thing is verizon will tell you that android needs advanced task killer etc etc, there reps are uninformed sometimes and spit out bs to people who do not know what they are doing. It is best to figure it out yourself then rely on someone in store.

And they will just tell you they need to install it, some of them are jackass's I am trying to save you the time of having to go through someone in store, but if it's your 1st smart phone then I would get someone to guide you through it other than a verizon employee on launch day, they won't exactly give you the time you should be allotted since they will be very busy and have tons of customers behind you.

Well I'm talking about just getting the phone up and running. Nothing about adding apps and about the app killer. I know several ppl who use it and love it. I'm not talking about anything but getting it set up and ready email set up, and everything else.

 

[ICanCin2U]

Well I'm talking about just getting the phone up and running. Nothing about adding apps and about the app killer. I know several ppl who use it and love it. I'm not talking about anything but getting it set up and ready email set up, and everything else.

my opinion even soccer mom's can do it. Log onto (Phone number and password) VZW wireless and hit the "activate phone" button. Make sure your new phone is on and might as well get put a charge to it. I like doing it from home as with my WiFi, any updates or when I rush to the market to download my favorite apps, it is just so much easier and faster. When you first turn on the phone it will run you through the phone set up, very easy and will set up the email, twitter, facebook, etc. Enter the IMEI in the VZW site it will do its thing then it will tell you to 1. make sure your old phone is off; and 2. dial *228 (on your shiny new beautiful phone) and press 1 when prompted. That's it, nothing more to it. Your new phone is all set up and ready to go.

Oh, yeah one caveate: if you have never logged into VZW you'll have to create an account (kind of like setting up email - but easier).

That's it, nothing more to it. See why I think anyone can do it?

 

[ShinyHydra]

Oh wow, this thread has gone entirely off topic haha. I know how to set up the phone, pick data package, etc. I was just curious about availability and if there was any chance of not getting a phone for a few weeks by ordering online, since in-store stock may take precedence. Anyone know the answer to this?

Thanks

 

[Gummibands]

my opinion even soccer mom's can do it. Log onto (Phone number and password) VZW wireless and hit the "activate phone" button. Make sure your new phone is on and might as well get put a charge to it. I like doing it from home as with my WiFi, any updates or when I rush to the market to download my favorite apps, it is just so much easier and faster. When you first turn on the phone it will run you through the phone set up, very easy and will set up the email, twitter, facebook, etc. Enter the IMEI in the VZW site it will do its thing then it will tell you to 1. make sure your old phone is off; and 2. dial *228 (on your shiny new beautiful phone) and press 1 when prompted. That's it, nothing more to it. Your new phone is all set up and ready to go.

Oh, yeah one caveate: if you have never logged into VZW you'll have to create an account (kind of like setting up email - but easier).

That's it, nothing more to it. See why I think anyone can do it?

Well I have to get the data plan to go with the phone so.....ya...I'll probably have to go in anyways so that I can get it set up fine.

 

[tsanuri]

Anyone know if I can call Verizon before the 15th and have them run my credit check, start my account, etc before I go in on the 15th get attempt to get my X? Or do they have to do that on the same day? I'll be a new customer.

Since you are only a week out go to a corp store and have them do everything that is needed. What they will do is the credit check and get you approved. They can then print out a receipt for you that will then go back to all the info they have already done. It will save you time and if for some reason you need a deposit you will know now instead of the day you are wanting your new phone.

 

[fiskadoro]

I guess sometimes it depends on the Verizon rep's knowledge. The guy I dealt with knew Android inside out, suggested Google Voice even, and pretty much pegged me for someone who had an idea what he was talking about, even though I'm no expert by any means. When I got the Incredible, we activated it in the store, he handed me the phone, and was like "There you go. You know how to do all this stuff... have fun." It was quite a refreshing change from the usual folks they employ in many stores!

 

[Wolfedude88]

I guess sometimes it depends on the Verizon rep's knowledge. The guy I dealt with knew Android inside out, suggested Google Voice even, and pretty much pegged me for someone who had an idea what he was talking about, even though I'm no expert by any means. When I got the Incredible, we activated it in the store, he handed me the phone, and was like "There you go. You know how to do all this stuff... have fun." It was quite a refreshing change from the usual folks they employ in many stores!

Wish some of the reps at my store were like that, none of them seem to have any knowledge. I think it is just a job to them, no biggie.

 

[2horses]

My local store rep told me that if I buy it online and then bring it in to get it activated, set up and have my contacts transferred over, they'll charge me $35. I see I can activate it myself (did not know how to do that, never bothered to worry about it before, and no, I'm no soccer mom either), can I swap my contacts myself?

 

[ICanCin2U]

My local store rep told me that if I buy it online and then bring it in to get it activated, set up and have my contacts transferred over, they'll charge me $35. I see I can activate it myself (did not know how to do that, never bothered to worry about it before, and no, I'm no soccer mom either), can I swap my contacts myself?

Easiest way is to set up a gmail account and when you log on it will automatically transfer the contacts to your device. If you are currently using outlook, you can export the contacts and your calendar (individually) and import them into your gmail account. If you are not interested in a gmail account set the phone up completely (activate it and all that jazz) then take the two phones into VZW and have them transfer the contacts only. I have done this multiple times without any charge what so ever. "You can do it!!"

 

[2horses]

I have gmail, but my current phone contacts are not on there - and my current phone is a *dumb* phone. Any way to send my contacts from my dumb phone to my gmail account?

 

[bennec]

Getting back to the original topic and question, do any of you see a problem just ordering online as quick as they are made available and NOT getting the phone on the 16th? Will you immediately know they are available? They are already out of stock?

This is my first time ordering a new phone on lauch day and I really want my DX on the 16th.

 

[Wolfedude88]

With my latest call to my store, they said they are not doing pre-orders or appointments like some stores, that he would call me when he finds out how many Droid Xs they are getting in, and what time they are officially opening.

Bad news for me is that he said he expects a good amount of people showing up to get this phone. So now he actually has me worried, now I don't know what time I need to show. I would really hate to show up earlier than an hour.

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

I have gmail, but my current phone contacts are not on there - and my current phone is a *dumb* phone. Any way to send my contacts from my dumb phone to my gmail account?

If you have access to the general VCAST program, you'll want to download Back-Up Assistant and run it.

It's ludicrous that the store told you they would charge you $35 to transfer contacts, especially considering you're already a customer...I'd talk to a manager/supervisor about this if I were you.

If your phone is truly a dated dumb-phone, and you can't access the program, than you will have to manually input contacts into the "X". If you have to go this route, I'd start saving them to a Gmail account.

 

[Deathshead]

I would LOVE to just walk into a local Verizon Reseller to purchase my phones, but I need TWO of them, (for my wife and I.) I just dont have the $$$ to shell out $600 bucks at one pop and then wait weeks for the $200 to come back,

Mail in rebates are ******ed on a device like this when 1 retailer does an instant rebate for one that does not. hmmm editing here just to make sure this is true, Test Sentace,

"My 401 V8 was felt very flat and had no power, so I checked the timing and it was severely ******ed, I advanced it a bit and woke the engine right up."


Wow, just as I suspected...

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

Whoever thinks MIRs, no matter if they are with Verizon or another company, aren't exactly fast. Instant rebates are well...instant. You won't have to worry that you didn't send in all the required information with a MIR, nor will you have to wait a month or more to receive a DEBIT card for $100..

 

[schizrade]

Whoever thinks MIRs, no matter if they are with Verizon or another company, aren't exactly fast. Instant rebates are well...instant. You won't have to worry that you didn't send in all the required information with a MIR, nor will you have to wait a month or more to receive a DEBIT card for $100..

Yeah, I do not want MY $$$ sent back in Debit card form.